Sandhill Cranes give a loud trumpeting call that can be heard long before you see them. Mated pairs of cranes engage in unison calling. The cranes stand close together, calling in a synchronized and complex duet. The female makes two calls for every one from the male.

Sandhill cranes’ large wingspans, ranging from 5 feet to 7 feet 6 in, make them very skilled soaring birds, similar in style to hawks and eagles. The Sandhill Cranes use thermals to obtain lift, and can stay aloft for many hours — requiring only occasional flapping of their wings and expending little energy. Migratory flocks contain hundreds of birds, and create clear outlines of the normally invisible rising columns of thermals that they ride. The cranes appear to be playing while on their migratory path with no reservations.

This folk art bird carving was carved from old cedar, painted with acrylic paints, and finished with various stains in the aging process.